Proponents of moving horse racing to northeast Lincoln unveiled their vision Thursday for a new horse park that would cover more than 360 acres.
MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 7:00 pm
Proponents of moving horse racing to northeast Lincoln unveiled their vision Thursday for a horse park that would span more than 360 acres and boast state-of-the-art facilities to meet a growing demand for racing, equestrian programs and equitherapy.
The Nebraska Horse Park — working name Goldenrod Downs — would give racing a new home after the University of Nebraska-Lincoln takes over State Fair Park in 2010.
It also would give the state’s horse programs ample room to grow, proponents said at a legislative hearing on the future of horse racing.
“This is what we’ve been looking for,” Jerry Fudge, president of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, said before the General Affairs Committee hearing.
The association joins the Lancaster Event Center, UNL and Sunrise EquiTherapy, along with the city, county and 2015 Vision, in a partnership supporting the Nebraska Horse Park near the event center at 84th Street and Havelock Avenue.
All those partners are expected to share in the cost. Proponents say it’s too early to put a price tag on Nebraska Horse Park, but offered $50 million as a preliminary estimate.
Among the proposed park’s features:
* A mile-long race track and grandstand to replace the 5/8-mile track at State Fair Park, which UNL plans to convert into a research and development campus.
* A multi-purpose equestrian center that would house shows and other special events.
* Space for UNL’s growing equine science programs and student groups like the equestrian, horse judging and rodeo teams.
* A permanent, year-round home for Sunrise EquiTherapy, which provides equine therapy to those with disabilities. Its operations are now scattered in multiple locations in the Lincoln area.
* Parking, up to 1,200 horse stalls, up to 2,000 camping spots, horse trails and other facilities that could be shared among the partners.
* Restaurants, hotels and other commercial properties that could boost economic growth.
The Lancaster Event Center recently finished an $8 million expansion and is looking to grow its campus even further, manager Ron Snover said.
The Nebraska Horse Park would allow the event center to attract more shows and do more business, he said.
“The economic impact is just — who knows?”
There are three tracks in the state — State Fair Park, Fonner Park in Grand Island and Agricultural Park in Columbus — that offer extended live meets for thoroughbred racing.
Two other tracks, including Horseman’s Park in Omaha, hold weekend meets and function the rest of the year as simulcast facilities.
Racing is likely to remain at the 251-acre State Fair Park until 2012. And the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association had hoped to stay in Lincoln, where the racing market is strong, beyond that year, Fudge said.
The 84th and Havelock site — with plenty of land, proximity to Interstate 80 and Lancaster Event Center facilities already there — is an ideal location, Fudge said.
And UNL’s equine programs have outgrown their space, said Steve Waller, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.
UNL’s champion equestrian team doesn’t have spots for all who try out, and enrollment in the ag sciences college is rising faster than at any other college at UNL.
New facilities would benefit students as well as give UNL a recruitment edge, Waller said.
“I encourage you to think about (Nebraska Horse Park) as an academic endeavor as much as anything else,” he told lawmakers.
Before the hearing, Waller said, “2012 won’t come quick enough to meet our needs.”
Partners don’t have plans at this point to ask the state for money, 2015 Vision spokesman Doug Parrott said.
Lincoln attorney Kent Seacrest, also a member of 2015 Vision, acknowledged funding the park could be a roadblock.
Money was on the mind of at least one senator, too.
“I like it. I think it’s a great plan,” Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber said, echoing other lawmakers who expressed enthusiasim for the proposal.
But Karpisek added: “My bottom line is going to be in the details. Who’s going to pay for it and how’s it all going to shake out?”
Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.